Gal 3:23-27-BUT BEFORE FAITH CAME, WE WERE KEPT UNDER THE LAW, SHUT
UP UNTO THE FAITH WHICH SHOULD AFTERWARDS BE REVEALED.WHEREFORE THE LAW WAS
OUR SCHOOLMASTER TO BRING US UNTO CHRIST, THAT WE MIGHT BE JUSTIFIED
BY FAITH.BUT AFTER THAT FAITH IS
COME, WE ARE NO LONGER UNDER A SCHOOLMASTER (or the Law).FOR YE ARE ALL THE CHILDREN
OF GOD BY FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS.FOR AS MANY OF YOU AS HAVE
BEEN BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST HAVE PUT ON CHRIST.The Law was until John.With the coming of John the
Baptist and the revealing of Jesus Christ (the Messiah), Who came in the flesh,
came faith. Jesus is the Messiah, Who came to this earth in human form. A person
that came to faith in Jesus Christ was no longer under the Law.It is written, Mt 11:13-FOR
ALL THE PROPHETS AND THE LAW PROPHESIED UNTIL JOHN.Lk 16:16-THE LAW AND
THE PROPHETS WERE UNTIL JOHN: SINCE THAT TIME THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS PREACHED,
AND EVERY MAN PRESSETH INTO IT. The mystery and revealing of faith in Jesus
Christ is now evident from the time of John.
The mystery (the revelation of Jesus Christ) was kept secret
since the world began; Ro 16:26-BUT NOW IS MADE MANIFEST (or revealed)ÖBY THE
SCRIPTURES OF THE PROPHETS, ACCORDING TO (or by) THE COMMANDMENT OF THE EVERLASTING
GOD, MADE KNOWN TO ALL NATIONS FOR THE OBEDIENCE OF FAITH (or that all
nations might believe and obey-NIV).

Ro
3:31-DO WE THEN MAKE VOID THE LAW THROUGH FAITH? GOD FORBID: YEA,
WE ESTABLISH THE LAW.Though faith is come, yet some
still try to be saved by the Law. They perish. Those that seek to be made righteous
will not attain it, if they seek it through the Law.Ro 9:32-WHEREFORE? BECAUSE
THEY SOUGHT IT NOT BY FAITH, BUT AS IT WERE BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW. FOR
THEY STUMBLED AT THAT STUMBLINGSTONE. The stumbling stone is Jesus.

From
the time that Adam sinned, the coming of the Messiah had been promised-ref Gen
3:15. Enoch, who lived before the flood, ALSO, THE SEVENTH FROM ADAM, PROPHESIED
OF THESE, SAYING, BEHOLD, THE LORD COMETH WITH TEN THOUSANDS OF HIS SAINTS-Jude
14.

Up
to the time of John and the revealing of Jesus Christ, the "just"
lived by faith-ref Hab 2:4. They looked forward to the coming of the promised
One, the Messiah.Since the Messiah has come,
has died, has risen from the dead, and now sits at the right hand of God the
Father; the just also now SHALL LIVE BY FAITH-Heb 10:38. A person now looks
back and knows that Jesus came. He receives Jesus Christ by faith as his only
hope of salvation. The person now also looks forward, knowing that this same
Jesus shall return.

2-STATISTICS

In the Old Testament, the word "faith" only appears two times. In
Deut 32:20, it relates to prophecy during the Tribulation period; as it is written,
THEY ARE A VERY FROWARD GENERATION, CHILDREN IN WHOM IS NO FAITH.The other verse is in Hab 2:4-BUT
THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY HIS FAITH.The word "faith"
appears in the New Testament approximately 243 times.

3-THE
WEIGHTIER MATTERS OF THE LAW

Faith is called a "weightier matter of the Law."Mt 23:23-WOE UNTO YOU, SCRIBES
AND PHARISEES, HYPOCRITES! FOR YE PAY TITHE OF MINT AND ANISE AND CUMMIN, AND
HAVE OMITTED THE WEIGHTIER MATTERS OF THE LAW, JUDGMENT, MERCY, AND FAITH:
THESE OUGHT YE TO HAVE DONE.

4-INTRODUCTION

Godís Word tells us in Eph 2:8,9-FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH;
AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD: NOT OF WORKS, LEST ANY MAN
SHOULD BOAST. The subject of this message is "Faith." Note Godís Word,
BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED; then we are told by what means this comes about, THROUGH
FAITH. We need to examine what faith is, and what grace is.We read in 1 Jn 5:4-FOR WHATSOEVER
IS BORN OF GOD OVERCOMETH THE WORLD (then we are told in the same verse how
we overcome): AND THIS IS THE VICTORY THAT OVERCOMETH THE WORLD, EVEN
OUR FAITH.Heb 10:38-tells us, NOW THE
JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.Ro 1:17-AS IT IS WRITTEN,
THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.Gal 3:11-FOR, THE JUST SHALL
LIVE BY FAITH.2 Cor 5:7-(FOR WE WALK BY
FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT.)Ro 14:23-WHATSOEVER IS NOT
OF FAITH IS SIN.

5-WHAT
IS FAITH?

The
words THE LAW OF FAITH, are used in Ro 3:27. Thus, faith is an absolute.
It is a law, not a theory.

Thus
we ask the question: What is faith?What is this that gives us
the victory?What is this that enables us
to overcome the world?What is this that through it,
or as a result of it, we are saved by grace?What is this in which we are
to live by?What is this that we are to
walk by?What is this that whatsoever
is not of faith is sin?

6-DEFINITION

Faith
can be termed as trust.Faith can be termed as reliance.Faith can be termed as being
fully persuaded.Faith can be termed as being
fully confident.Faith can be termed as believing
so deeply that it causes or forces a person to do something. True faith will
have evidence.Faith can be termed as being
fully persuaded, relying, and trusting in God without hesitation even to the
death of the cross.Faith can be termed as a total,
unwavering trust in Jesus, in the truth of all the Bible and its promises; even
when every possible circumstance and evidence appears to be contrary to what
is written in Godís Word or even when brutally tortured.Faith can be termed as a comforting
hope even when there appears to be no hope, but only darkness or death.Faith can be termed as being
fully persuaded that God works right now.Faith can be termed as fully
believing Godís Word as it is written.Faith is that which can say
with total confidence, "I forsake everything for Jesus."A person can have a wealth
of money and friends, yet be miserable. A person can have faith in Jesus with
few friends and possessions, yet have joy.
On his death bed, the man with everything but Jesus can expect
to be afraid within himself; no matter how many may try to comfort him.The man with total confidence
in Jesus as his only hope can be on his bed dying, yet have joy.Faith in Jesus Christ is our
anchor that sustains us no matter how great the stormóif we keep our eyes on
Jesus and if we hold on to our faith without wavering.

We
are told in Heb 11:1-NOW FAITH (or trusting) IS THE SUBSTANCE (or assurance,
or being confident, or being sure) OF THINGS HOPED FOR, THE EVIDENCE
(or the conviction, or being certain, or convinced) OF THINGS NOT SEEN.Faith is SUBSTANCE. Godís Word
tells us, all things are possible to them that believe-ref Mk 9:23. The Bible
shows us that mountains can be moved by faith-ref Mt 17:20.The next words tell us, FAITHÖTHE
SUBSTANCE - of what? - OF THINGS HOPED FOR.And then the verse continues
to tell us that, FAITH ISÖTHE EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN. Faith is substance
and evidence.Faith is a shield. You have
a shield as the result of faith.Faith and love is a breastplate.
You have a breastplate as a result of faith and love.Eph 6:16-THE SHIELD OF FAITH,
WHEREWITH YE SHALL BE ABLE TO QUENCH ALL THE FIERY DARTS OF THE WICKED.

1
Thes 5:8 tells us, BUT LET US, WHO ARE OF THE DAY, BE SOBER, PUTTING ON THE
BREASTPLATE OF FAITH AND LOVE.

7-DEGREES
OF FAITH

The Scriptures
show that people have various types of faith, which include: no faith, little
faith, and great faith.
There is also faith that is false.

8-NO
FAITH, DEAD FAITH, OR VAIN FAITH

Some have no faith. It is written, 2 Thes 3:2-FOR ALL MEN HAVE NOT FAITH.Others deny the faith by what
they do or not do. It is written, 1 Tim 5:8-BUT IF ANY PROVIDE NOT FOR HIS OWN,
AND SPECIALLY FOR THOSE OF HIS OWN HOUSE, HE HATH DENIED THE FAITH, AND
IS WORSE THAN AN INFIDEL.Some are reprobate concerning
the faith. It is written, 2 Tim 3:8-NOW AS JANNES AND JAMBRES WITHSTOOD MOSES,
SO DO THESE ALSO RESIST THE TRUTH: MEN OF CORRUPT MINDS, REPROBATE
CONCERNING THE FAITH.

1
Cor 15:14-AND IF CHRIST BE NOT RISEN, THEN IS OUR PREACHING VAIN, AND YOUR
FAITH IS ALSO VAIN (or useless).

Regarding
the incident in Mt 8:23-27, where the boat that the disciples were in was about
to sink, it is written, Mk 4:40-AND HE (Jesus) SAID UNTO THEM, WHY ARE YE SO
FEARFUL? HOW IS IT THAT YE HAVE NO FAITH? Here "no faith"
can be termed as having so much fearfulness that it overwhelms the faith that
a person has. It may be said that a person has one measure of faith, but also
one measure of fear. One minus one, equals "zero" faith.

Deut
32:20-FOR THEY ARE A VERY FROWARD GENERATION, CHILDREN IN WHOM IS NO FAITH.

Ja
2:20,26-BUT WILT THOU KNOW, O VAIN MAN, THAT FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD?
Note the wording, in that it asks the question, WILT THOU KNOW? It asks the
question, "Are you willing to recognize?"-NASB. The question is asked
of the "vain man." It is asked of the "foolish fellow" in
the NAS. Is the vain or foolish man able or willing to recognize that faith
without works is dead?FOR AS THE BODY WITHOUT THE
SPIRIT IS DEAD, SO FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD ALSO. These words are
addressed to believers.Many people claim they have
faith, but there is neither any evidence, fruit or works to demonstrate the
existence of faith. Their faith is dead, as it is not accompanied by works.It is written, Ja 2:14-26-WHAT
DOTH IT PROFIT, MY BRETHREN, THOUGH A MAN SAY HE HATH FAITH,
AND HAVE NOT WORKS? CAN FAITH SAVE HIM?IF A BROTHER OR SISTER BE NAKED,
AND DESTITUTE OF DAILY FOOD,AND ONE OF YOU SAY UNTO THEM,
DEPART IN PEACE, BE YE WARMED AND FILLED; NOTWITHSTANDING YE GIVE THEM NOT THOSE
THINGS WHICH ARE NEEDFUL TO THE BODY; WHAT DOTH IT PROFIT?EVEN SO FAITH, IF IT HATH
NOT WORKS, IS DEAD, BEING ALONE.YEA, A MAN MAY SAY, THOU HAST
FAITH, AND I HAVE WORKS: SHEW ME THY FAITH WITHOUT THY WORKS, AND I WILL
SHEW THEE MY FAITH BY MY WORKS (or by what I do).THOU BELIEVEST THAT THERE IS
ONE GOD; THOU DOEST WELL: THE DEVILS ALSO BELIEVE, AND TREMBLE.BUT WILT THOU KNOW,
O VAIN MAN, THAT FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD?WAS NOT ABRAHAM OUR FATHER
JUSTIFIED BY WORKS, WHEN HE HAD OFFERED ISAAC HIS SON UPON THE ALTAR?SEEST THOU HOW FAITH WROUGHT
WITH HIS WORKS, AND BY WORKS WAS FAITH MADE PERFECT?AND THE SCRIPTURE WAS FULFILLED
WHICH SAITH, ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS IMPUTED UNTO HIM FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS:
AND HE WAS CALLED THE FRIEND OF GOD.YE SEE THEN HOW THAT BY
WORKS A MAN IS JUSTIFIED, AND NOT BY FAITH ONLY.LIKEWISE ALSO WAS NOT RAHAB
THE HARLOT JUSTIFIED BY WORKS, WHEN SHE HAD RECEIVED THE MESSENGERS,
AND HAD SENT THEM OUT ANOTHER WAY?FOR AS THE BODY WITHOUT
THE SPIRIT IS DEAD, SO FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD ALSO.Thus, there are people that
have no faith, and there are people that have dead faith.The message is clear. It is
written, Heb 11:6-BUT WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM: FOR
HE THAT COMETH TO GOD MUSTBELIEVE THAT HE IS, AND THAT HE
IS A REWARDER OF THEM THAT DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM.The Scriptures show us many
ways that we can please God; however, every single one of them must be built
upon one single word. That word is "faith." That faith must be in
the Jesus of the Bible, revealed from Genesis to the Revelation.

Regarding little faith, it is written, Mt 6:30-WHEREFORE, IF GOD SO CLOTHE THE
GRASS OF THE FIELD, WHICH TO DAY IS, AND TO MORROW IS CAST INTO THE OVEN, SHALL
HE NOT MUCH MORE CLOTHE YOU, O YE OF LITTLE FAITH? Here "little
faith" is portrayed in relation to doubting, worrying, or wondering if
God will provide those things which are needful, such as food, drink, and clothing.Godís answer for this is,
Mt 6:31-34-THEREFORE TAKE NO THOUGHT, SAYING, WHAT SHALL WE EAT?
OR, WHAT SHALL WE DRINK? OR, WHEREWITHAL SHALL WE BE CLOTHED?(FOR AFTER ALL THESE THINGS
DO THE GENTILES SEEK:) FOR YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWETH THAT YE HAVE NEED OF
ALL THESE THINGS.BUT SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM
OF GOD, AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS; AND ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE ADDED UNTO
YOU.TAKE THEREFORE NO THOUGHT
FOR THE MORROW: FOR THE MORROW SHALL TAKE THOUGHT FOR THE THINGS OF ITSELF.
SUFFICIENT UNTO THE DAY IS THE EVIL THEREOF.Lk 12:32-FEAR NOT, LITTLE
FLOCK; FOR IT IS YOUR FATHER'S GOOD PLEASURE TO GIVE YOU THE KINGDOM. (Ref Lk
12:22-32.)Godís remedy is clear.1. First seek the kingdom of
God.2. Trust completely in God
to provide.3. Do not even think about
the situation of food, drink, and clothing.4. Take no thought for tomorrow.5. Get rid of fear.Various situations will come
upon the Christian to test or prove their faith, to see if it is genuine.

10-THE
SHIP THAT SEEMED LIKE IT WOULD SINK

Regarding "little faith," it is also written:Mt 8:23-27-AND WHEN HE (Jesus)
WAS ENTERED INTO A SHIP, HIS DISCIPLES FOLLOWED HIM.AND, BEHOLD, THERE AROSE A
GREAT TEMPEST IN THE SEA, INSOMUCH THAT THE SHIP WAS COVERED WITH THE WAVES:
BUT HE WAS ASLEEP.AND HIS DISCIPLES CAME TO HIM,
AND AWOKE HIM, SAYING, LORD, SAVE US: WE PERISH.AND HE SAITH UNTO THEM, WHY
ARE YE FEARFUL, O YE OF LITTLE FAITH? THEN HE AROSE, AND REBUKED
THE WINDS AND THE SEA; AND THERE WAS A GREAT CALM.BUT THE MEN MARVELLED, SAYING,
WHAT MANNER OF MAN IS THIS, THAT EVEN THE WINDS AND THE SEA OBEY HIM!Lk 8:25-AND HE SAID UNTO THEM,
WHERE IS YOUR FAITH? AND THEY BEING AFRAID WONDERED, SAYING ONE
TO ANOTHER, WHAT MANNER OF MAN IS THIS! FOR HE COMMANDETH EVEN THE WINDS AND
WATER, AND THEY OBEY HIM.The disciples were afraid that
their ship would sink because of the wind and waves. This is symbolic of the
many things that the Christian goes through or that come against the Christian.
Sometimes these seem to cover the Christian, and it seems as if there is no
hope. Here "little faith" is shown to be the same as doubting, because
of fearfulness.Jesus was in control all along.
Their faith was being tested to see how they would react. No matter
what difficulty or problem comes against a Christian, Jesus is in control and
can rebuke the most difficult situations or problems, or provide a way to escape-ref
1 Cor 10:13. Sometimes it may be the Lordís will that we go through a very difficult
experience, but He promises to be with us in trouble-ref Ps 66:11,12; Ps 91:15;
Isa 43:2.Some in the boat appear to
have had "little faith" while others may have had "no faith"-ref
Mk 4:40.

11-WALKING
ON THE WATER

Regarding "little faith," it is also written:Mt 14:29-32-AND HE (Jesus)
SAID, COME. AND WHEN PETER WAS COME DOWN OUT OF THE SHIP, HE WALKED ON THE WATER,
TO GO TO JESUS.BUT WHEN HE SAW THE WIND BOISTEROUS,
HE WAS AFRAID; AND BEGINNING TO SINK, HE CRIED, SAYING, LORD,
SAVE ME.AND IMMEDIATELY JESUS STRETCHED
FORTH HIS HAND, AND CAUGHT HIM, AND SAID UNTO HIM, O THOU OF LITTLE FAITH,
WHEREFORE DIDST THOU DOUBT?AND WHEN THEY WERE COME INTO
THE SHIP, THE WIND CEASED.Peter trusted in Jesus. He
walked on the water. But then he got his eyes off Jesus and began to look at
the wind, or we may say, he began to look at his circumstances rather than at
Jesus. Because he got his eyes off Jesus, fear set in. He began to be afraid.
He began to doubt. Because he began to be afraid, and doubt, and got his eyes
off Jesus, he began to sink. Nevertheless, he called out to Jesus, and Jesus
saved him. Jesus told him, "O thou of little faith."When a Christian has his eyes
fixed on Jesus, he walks in faith. But when he begins to look at the difficult
situations and gets his eyes off Jesus, fear and doubt can set in. His faith
can begin to be like a wave. Because of the fear and doubt, his faith can be
called "little." But when he again fixed his eyes back on Jesus alone
as his only hope, Jesus saved him from drowning. When a person calls on Jesus
in faith, Jesus can be expected to help no matter what the problem.

12-THE
WITHERED FIG TREE

Mt 21:18-21-NOW IN THE MORNING AS HE RETURNED INTO THE CITY, HE HUNGERED.AND WHEN HE SAW A FIG TREE
IN THE WAY, HE CAME TO IT, AND FOUND NOTHING THEREON, BUT LEAVES ONLY, AND SAID
UNTO IT, LET NO FRUIT GROW ON THEE HENCEFORWARD FOR EVER. AND PRESENTLY THE
FIG TREE WITHERED AWAY.AND WHEN THE DISCIPLES SAW
IT, THEY MARVELLED, SAYING, HOW SOON IS THE FIG TREE WITHERED AWAY!JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO
THEM, VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, IF YE HAVE FAITH, AND DOUBT NOT, YE SHALL
NOT ONLY DO THIS WHICH IS DONE TO THE FIG TREE, BUT ALSO IF YE SHALL SAY UNTO
THIS MOUNTAIN, BE THOU REMOVED, AND BE THOU CAST INTO THE SEA; IT SHALL BE DONE.Again, doubt is related to
having weak or little faith. Therefore, doubt may be said to be the enemy of
strong faith, and strong faith may be said to be faith without any doubt.

13-THE
LEAVEN OF THE PHARISEES

Regarding "little faith," it is also written:Mt 16:6-12-THEN JESUS SAID
UNTO THEM, TAKE HEED AND BEWARE OF THE LEAVEN OF THE PHARISEES AND OF THE SADDUCEES.AND THEY REASONED AMONG
THEMSELVES, SAYING, IT IS BECAUSE WE HAVE TAKEN NO BREAD.WHICH WHEN JESUS PERCEIVED,
HE SAID UNTO THEM, O YE OF LITTLE FAITH, WHY REASON YE AMONG YOURSELVES,
BECAUSE YE HAVE BROUGHT NO BREAD?DO YE NOT YET UNDERSTAND,
NEITHER REMEMBER THE FIVE LOAVES OF
THE FIVE THOUSAND, AND HOW MANY BASKETS YE TOOK UP?NEITHER THE SEVEN LOAVES OF
THE FOUR THOUSAND, AND HOW MANY BASKETS YE TOOK UP?HOW IS IT THAT YE DO NOT
UNDERSTAND THAT I SPAKE IT NOT TO YOU CONCERNING BREAD, THAT YE SHOULD BEWARE
OF THE LEAVEN OF THE PHARISEES AND OF THE SADDUCEES?THEN UNDERSTOOD THEY
HOW THAT HE BADE THEM NOT BEWARE OF THE LEAVEN OF BREAD, BUT OF THE DOCTRINE
OF THE PHARISEES AND OF THE SADDUCEES.Little faith here is related
to several things.1. They did not understand.
They had a lack of understanding.2. They had wrong thoughts.3. They were reasoning among
themselves as a result.4. They forgot certain things.They did not understand that
Jesus did not speak to them concerning the bread, but that the bread was used
to convey another message. That other message was that they should be on their
guard against the spread of the false teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees,
which can spread like leaven or yeast.Thus we may say, little understanding
equals little faith.

The
words "weak in faith" are used in the following verses:Ro 14:1-HIM THAT IS WEAK
IN THE FAITH RECEIVE YE, BUT NOT TO DOUBTFUL DISPUTATIONS.Ro 4:19-AND BEING NOT WEAK
IN FAITH, HE CONSIDERED NOT HIS OWN BODY NOW DEAD, WHEN HE WAS ABOUT AN
HUNDRED YEARS OLD, NEITHER YET THE DEADNESS OF SARAH'S WOMB.

14-FAITH
IS NOT TO BE A WAVE OR DOUBLE-MINDED

Some people have faith that is like a wave. It goes in and out. One moment they
are fully persuaded; and the next moment they doubt. One moment they are committed
to obeying God; and the next moment they are unsure. One moment they have enough
faith in Jesus to go overseas to become a missionary. Then the next moment,
they do not have enough faith to witness to their neighbor. One moment they
have faith enough in Jesus to serve God fulltime; but then the problems set
in, and their faith becomes like a wave. Their faith fails. They shrink back.Their faith is like a wave
that is driven with the wind. One moment they believe this way, but then they
change their mind and do not believe. As the rains descend, and the floods come,
and the winds blow against them, they fall-ref Mt 7:26,27. Their faith fails
as problems, persecutions, false doctrines, deceptions, unbiblical desires,
cares of this world, the pleasures of this world, the lusts of other things,
the deception of riches and other things come against them.God wants us to be a person
that is Heb 10:23-WITHOUT WAVERING; and Ja 1:6-NOTHING WAVERING.Ja 1:6-8-FOR HE THAT WAVERETH
IS LIKE A WAVE OF THE SEA DRIVEN WITH THE WIND AND TOSSED. FOR LET NOT
THAT MAN THINK THAT HE SHALL RECEIVE ANY THING OF THE LORD. A DOUBLE MINDED
MAN IS UNSTABLE IN ALL HIS WAYS.The message is clear. A person
with faith like a wave is not pleasing to God.

Heb
10:23-LET US HOLD FAST THE PROFESSION OF OUR FAITHWITHOUT WAVERING;
(FOR HE IS FAITHFUL THAT PROMISED;).

Mt 15:22-28-AND, BEHOLD, A WOMAN OF CANAAN CAME OUT OF THE SAME COASTS,
AND CRIED UNTO HIM, SAYING, HAVE MERCY ON ME, O LORD, THOU SON
OF DAVID; MY DAUGHTER IS GRIEVOUSLY VEXED WITH A DEVIL.BUT HE ANSWERED HER NOT
A WORD. AND HIS DISCIPLES CAME AND BESOUGHT HIM, SAYING, SEND HER AWAY;
FOR SHE CRIETH AFTER US.BUT HE ANSWERED AND SAID, I
AM NOT SENT BUT UNTO THE LOST SHEEP OF THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL.THEN CAME SHE AND WORSHIPPED
HIM, SAYING, LORD, HELP ME.BUT HE ANSWERED AND SAID, IT
IS NOT MEET TO TAKE THE CHILDREN'S BREAD, AND TO CAST IT TO DOGS.AND SHE SAID, TRUTH, LORD:
YET THE DOGS EAT OF THE CRUMBS WHICH FALL FROM THEIR MASTERS' TABLE.THEN JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID
UNTO HER, O WOMAN, GREAT IS THY FAITH: BE IT UNTO THEE EVEN AS
THOU WILT. AND HER DAUGHTER WAS MADE WHOLE FROM THAT VERY HOUR.A woman of Canaan came to Jesus
asking for mercy and help for her daughter. She acknowledged that He is the
Christ, by saying, "Thou son of David."
At first, Jesus ignored her.The disciples told Jesus to
send her away.Jesus told her that He was
sent unto the lost sheep of Israel.What did she do? Did she leave,
being discouraged and bitter? Did she get angry? No. She did not give up. She
worshipped Him and again asked for help. Her faith was being tested.Jesus then told her that it
was not right to take the childrenís bread and cast it to the dogs. In essence,
Jesus was calling her a dog.What did she do? Did she leave,
being discouraged and bitter? Did she get angry? No. She did not give up. She
replied back to Jesus that what He said was true. She admitted she was a dog.
Then she replied that even the dogs eat of the crumbs that fall from their masterís
table.Her faith had been proven to
be strong and sincere. She had a right attitude. Jesus then replied to her,
"O WOMAN, GREAT IS THY FAITH." He then told her that her request
is granted.It may be noted that "great
faith" is credited to her as she did not become easily offended, bitter,
or discouraged at what other people said or with what Jesus said. She was persistent
in believing that Jesus would grant her what she requested.

16-THE
CENTURION

Regarding "the greatest faith," it is written:Lk 7:2-10-AND A CERTAIN CENTURION'S
SERVANT, WHO WAS DEAR UNTO HIM, WAS SICK, AND READY TO DIE.AND WHEN HE HEARD OF JESUS,
HE SENT UNTO HIM THE ELDERS OF THE JEWS, BESEECHING HIM THAT HE WOULD COME AND
HEAL HIS SERVANT.AND WHEN THEY CAME TO JESUS,
THEY BESOUGHT HIM INSTANTLY, SAYING, THAT HE WAS WORTHY FOR WHOM HE SHOULD
DO THIS:FOR HE LOVETH OUR NATION,
AND HE HATH BUILT US A SYNAGOGUE.THEN JESUS WENT WITH THEM.
AND WHEN HE WAS NOW NOT FAR FROM THE HOUSE, THE CENTURION SENT FRIENDS TO HIM,
SAYING UNTO HIM, LORD, TROUBLE NOT THYSELF: FOR I AM NOT WORTHY THAT
THOU SHOULDEST ENTER UNDER MY ROOF:WHEREFORE NEITHER THOUGHT
I MYSELF WORTHY TO COME UNTO THEE: BUT SAY IN A WORD, AND MY SERVANT
SHALL BE HEALED.FOR I ALSO AM A MAN SET
UNDER AUTHORITY, HAVING UNDER ME SOLDIERS, AND I SAY UNTO ONE, GO,
AND HE GOETH; AND TO ANOTHER, COME, AND HE COMETH; AND TO MY SERVANT, DO THIS,
AND HE DOETH IT.WHEN JESUS HEARD THESE THINGS,
HE MARVELLED AT HIM, AND TURNED HIM ABOUT, AND SAID UNTO THE PEOPLE THAT FOLLOWED
HIM, I SAY UNTO YOU, I HAVE NOT FOUND SO GREAT FAITH, NO, NOT IN ISRAEL.AND THEY THAT WERE SENT, RETURNING
TO THE HOUSE, FOUND THE SERVANT WHOLE THAT HAD BEEN SICK. (Also ref Mt 8:5-10.)This "greatest" faith
is related to this centurion. Certain things are evident here in relation to
this "greatest" faith.1. He had shown that he loved
Israel beforehand by what he did.2. He was humble. He did not
consider himself worthy.3. He totally trusted that
Jesus would heal his servant.4. He totally trusted and was
fully persuaded that Jesus could do it simply by speaking it.5. He understood the subject
of authority and recognized the authority that Jesus had and was under. (Note:
this subject is not understood by many people.)

It
was this man that had the "greatest faith."Mt 21:21 tells us, IF YE HAVE
FAITH, AND DOUBT NOT, the result is, you have:Mt 8:10-GREAT FAITH.Now, faith without doubt is
Acts 11:24-FULL OFÖFAITH.Acts 6:5,8 tells us of Stephen,
a man FULL OF FAITH. (Also ref Acts 11:24.)Faith that does not go back
and forth as a wave, is being Ro 4:20-STRONG IN FAITH.God wants you to be Titus 1:13-SOUND
IN THE FAITH, and Titus 2:2-SOUND IN FAITH.Heb 10:22, speaks of the FULL
ASSURANCE OF FAITH.Ja 2:5, speaks of God choosing
the poor of the world being RICH IN FAITH, AND HEIRS OF THE KINGDOM WHICH
HE HATH PROMISED TO THEM THAT LOVE HIM?Col 2:5-THE STEDFASTNESS
OF YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST.2 Pe 1:1-TO THEM THAT HAVE
OBTAINED LIKE PRECIOUS FAITH WITH US.1 Tim 1:5-AND OF A GOOD CONSCIENCE,
AND OF FAITH UNFEIGNED (or sincere faith).2 Tim 1:5-WHEN I CALL TO REMEMBRANCE
THE UNFEIGNED FAITH (or sincere trust) THAT IS IN THEE.Jude 20-BUT YE, BELOVED, BUILDING
UP YOURSELVES ON YOUR MOST HOLY FAITH.

17-ABRAHAM

Abraham was "not weak in faith." It is written:Ro 4:19-AND BEING NOT WEAK
IN FAITH, HE CONSIDERED NOT HIS OWN BODY NOW DEAD, WHEN HE WAS ABOUT AN
HUNDRED YEARS OLD, NEITHER YET THE DEADNESS OF SARAH'S WOMB.And Ro 4:21-Abraham, BEING
FULLY PERSUADED THAT, WHAT HE (God) HAD PROMISED, HE WAS ABLE ALSO TO PERFORM.Is your faith strong enough
to motivate you to serve God? Are you fully persuaded as Abraham was?It was said of Abraham in Ro
4:20-HE STAGGERED NOT AT THE PROMISE OF GOD THROUGH UNBELIEF; BUT WAS
STRONG IN FAITH, GIVING GLORY TO GOD.

18-GREAT
FAITH IS

All
of these combined give us a good definition of "great faith."

A person acknowledges
that Jesus is the Christ.

Jesus appears to
ignore this person, but she does not become discouraged.

Other followers of
Jesus try to discourage this person, but she does not become discouraged.

It seems as if Jesus
will not help this person, but she does not become discouraged, angry, bitter,
or give up.

No matter how hopeless
the situation looks, this person keeps asking.

Jesus calls this
person a dog, and she admits it is true.

Jesus calls this
person a dog, but she does not give up, or become angry, or bitter.

No matter how hopeless
it seems, this person keeps a right attitude; an attitude that reflects
the fruit of the Spirit.

A person loves Israel.

This person has a
humble and meek attitude.

This person considers
himself unworthy.

This person totally
trusts in the Jesus of the Bible.

This person is fully
persuaded regarding Jesus.

This person is positive
that all the Bible is the Word of God and believes all the Bible as it is
written.

This person understands
the subject of authority, the chain of command, from God the Father and
down.

A person does not
have any doubt.

A personís faith
is not like a wave.

A person has the
full assurance of faith.

No matter how hopeless
the situation is, the personís fear does not cause him to diminish in trusting
God in any way.

A person has a good
understanding of the whole counsel of God.

A person obeys the
Gospel.

A person casts down
wrong thoughts.

A person does not
forget the works of God, both in what the Word says and by what God does
for that person.

A person keeps their
eyes on Jesus no matter what comes against them.

A personís faith
is centered in Jesus and Jesus alone.

The person first
seeks the kingdom of God.

The person trusts completely in God
to provide.

The person does not
worry about not having food, drink, and clothing.

The person takes
no thought for tomorrow.

The person gets rid
of fear.

The personís faith
is accompanied with the works of God.

The person does not
stagger regarding the promises of God.

GREAT FAITH-Mt 8:10

FULL OFÖFAITH-Acts 11:24

STRONG IN FAITH-Ro 4:20

SOUND INÖFAITH-Titus 1:13; 2:2

FULL ASSURRANCE OF FAITH-Heb 10:22

RICH IN FAITH-Ja 2:5

STEDFAST OFÖFAITH-Col 2:5

PRECIOUS FAITH-2 Pe 1:1

UNFEIGNED FAITH-2 Tim 1:5; ref 1 Tim
1:5

SINCERE FAITH-1 Tim 1:5; 2 Tim 1:5
NIV

HOLY FAITH-Jude 20

19-FAITH
IS TO BE IN WHOM? ALSO FALSE FAITH

There is much confusion regarding faith in this latter day generation. Some
regard faith as a tool or a formula one follows to get whatever they want from
God. Some think using faith will get them a thirty, sixty or hundred fold return.Some think that they can speak
whatever they will, and it will come to pass because of faith. They base this
on Mk 11:23.Some think they can control
God and persuade Him to do "their" will by applying the principle
of faith.Some put their faith in what
they say, or in a preacher or denomination, or in themselves, or their government,
or their doctor, or other things.The list could go on and on.The power, the confidence,
and the blessing that comes from "faith" is not in the faith itself,
as some would have you to believe. Rather, it is in the divine object of our
faith.There is only one faith.We read, in Eph 4:5, that there
is ONE FAITH. Faith that is centered on anything or anyone other than Jesus
Christ and Jesus Christ alone is false faith.We are to Gal 2:20-LIVE BY
THE FAITH.One might therefore ask, "What
faith are we to live by?" Please note the list of study verses below:

20-WHAT
FAITH?

Rev 14:12-THE FAITH OF JESUSActs 3:16-FAITH IN HIS NAMEActs 20:21-FAITH TOWARD OUR
LORD JESUS CHRISTActs 24:24-FAITH IN CHRISTEph 1:15-FAITH IN THE LORDEph 3:12-FAITH OF HIMGal 2:16-FAITH OF CHRISTGal 2:16-FAITH OF JESUS CHRISTGal 2:20-FAITH OF THE SON OF
GODGal 3:22-FAITH OF JESUS CHRISTHeb 6:1-FAITH TOWARD GODJa 2:1-THE FAITH OF OUR LORD
JESUS CHRISTMk 11:22-FAITH IN GODRo 3:3-FAITH OF GODPhili 1:27 THE FAITH OF THE
GOSPELPhili 3:9-FAITH OF CHRISTRev 14:12-THE FAITH OF JESUS1 Tim 3:13-FAITH WHICH IS IN
CHRIST JESUSA personís faith is to be centered
in the person of Jesus Christ. It is not to be centered in our own words, in
the words of others, or in so many other things that are preached. In Jesus
alone is where our total faith is to be centered. Beware of anyone that tries
to make up new, unscriptural doctrines that would in any way be contrary to
this teaching. Many have taken one or two verses of Scripture and created entire,
unbiblical doctrines that sound good, if many other verses are ignored. God
forbid, these mislead multitudes. The whole counsel of God needs to be considered,
not just one or two verses taken out of context.This is the "only"
faith. Any faith in any other is false faith. Some put their faith in the Catholic
Church or some other denomination. Some put their faith in unbiblical teachings.
Some put their faith in "so-called" prophets or apostles of this generation.
Some put their faith in people that do miracles or healings. Some put their
faith in people that say, "God spoke to me or gave me a dream." Some
put their faith in people that give them items or money. The list seems almost
endless.Again, there is only one place
to put your faith. That is in the Person of Jesus Christ, Godís only begotten
Son.Jesus said, Jn 14:6-I AM THE
WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE: NO MAN COMETH UNTO THE FATHER, BUT BY ME.

21-WHERE
DOES FAITH COME FROM?

Where does this faith come from? The answer is in Ro 10:17-SO THEN FAITH COMETH
BY HEARING, AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD. In other words, faith comes by hearing
Godís Word, the Bible. Let this be said again. FAITH COMES ONLY FROM GODíS
WORD, THE BIBLE.While stories may sound
nice, it is Godís Word that builds faith. It is Godís Word that we build
our hope upon. It is written, 2 Tim 3:15-THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, WHICH
ARE ABLE TO MAKE THEE WISE UNTO SALVATION. We read in:Gal 3:2-THE HEARING OF FAITHGal 3:5-THE HEARING
OF FAITHRo 10:8-THE WORD OF
FAITH (or the Word about trust)1 Tim 4:6-WORDS OF FAITHHeb 12:2-JESUS THE AUTHOR
AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITHCol 2:12-BURIED WITH HIM
(with Jesus) IN BAPTISM, WHEREIN ALSO YE ARE RISEN WITH HIM THROUGH THE FAITH
OF THE OPERATION OF GOD, WHO HATH RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD.

A
PERSONíS FAITH CANNOT EXCEED THE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING HE HAS OF GODíS
WORD. FAITH IS BUILT UPON GODíS WORD. IT IS BUILT UPON THE ACTUAL AMOUNT OF
GODíS WORD HE HAS HEARD OR READ, COMBINED WITH THE CORRECT UNDERSTANDING HE
HAS OF THAT WORD.Often-times, a preacher will
give "his" understanding of certain passages in the Bible, and they
are incorrect. When this happens, other people can be deceived.

THE WORD GOES INTO
THE HEART.

THE WORD CAN BE TAKEN
OUT OF THE HEART.

THE WORD CAN BE MISUNDERSTOOD
BY THE HEART BECAUSE OF MANY FACTORS.

THE AMOUNT OF CORRECT
UNDERSTANDING THAT REMAINS CAN BE TRANSLATED INTO FAITH.

THE AMOUNT OF INCORRECT
UNDERSTANDING THAT EXISTS CAN BE TRANSLATED INTO FALSE FAITH OR DECEIVED
FAITH.

22-DOES
HEARING AND STUDYING GODíS WORD ALWAYS PRODUCE FAITH?

Does hearing and studying Godís Word always produce faith? The answer is, no.
Faith must come forth from Godís Word; however, in many cases, the person has
a wayside heart. When Godís Word comes forth, the type of heart the person has
will affect how he reacts to the Bible.It is written, Mk 4:15-AND
THESE ARE THEY BY THE WAY SIDE, WHERE THE WORD IS SOWN; BUT WHEN THEY HAVE HEARD,
SATAN COMETH IMMEDIATELY, AND TAKETH AWAY THE WORD THAT WAS SOWN IN THEIR HEARTS.
In this situation, Satan can take the Word out of a personís heart as fast as
it goes in. Thus, no faith is produced. The person does not believe in his heart.
Note, there are also other kinds of hearts.

Does
hearing and studying Godís Word always profit a person? The answer is, no. The
Word needs to be mixed with faith in order to be profitable.It is written, Heb 4:2-FOR
UNTO US WAS THE GOSPEL PREACHED, AS WELL AS UNTO THEM: BUT THE WORD PREACHED
DID NOT PROFIT THEM, NOT BEING MIXED WITH FAITH IN THEM THAT HEARD IT.

When
a person hears or studies Godís Word, does he always understand it? The answer
is, no.It is written, Lk 10:21-IN
THAT HOUR JESUS REJOICED IN SPIRIT, AND SAID, I THANK THEE, O FATHER, LORD OF
HEAVEN AND EARTH, THAT THOU HAST HID THESE THINGS FROM THE WISE AND PRUDENT,
AND HAST REVEALED THEM UNTO BABES: EVEN SO, FATHER; FOR SO IT SEEMED GOOD IN
THY SIGHT. (Also ref Mt 11:25,26.)Regarding Godís children, understanding
comes forth according to many factors. A person that studies diligently should
gain much more understanding from God than a person that does not.Many factors can hinder a personís
understanding. Pride; greed; covetousness; unrepentant sin; a personís emotions;
personal desires; lusts; a personís heart; wrong traditions of the people, the
church, and nations; and many other things can hamper a personís understanding.

In
addition, faith could be present, but the person may be so full of hate, bitterness,
and unforgiveness that no love comes forth. Thus, his faith means nothing.It is written, Gal 5:6-FOR
IN JESUS CHRIST NEITHER CIRCUMCISION AVAILETH ANY THING, NOR UNCIRCUMCISION;
BUT FAITH WHICH WORKETH BY LOVE. Faith and love need to go hand in hand.
If a person does not have love, they are nothing. It is written, 1 Cor 13:2-AND
THOUGH I HAVE ALL FAITHÖAND HAVE NOT CHARITY (or love), I AM NOTHING.

23-THE
TEACHINGS IN TODAYíS CHURCHES

Some people call themselves "faith preachers." Such a term is not
used in the Bible. It can be very misleading.Many preachers in todayís generation
are superb storytellers. They tell stories about their families, what happened
to themselves, their relatives, their friends, their possessions, and other
stories that they have heard. It is very common in this generation for a person
to know far more about their preacher than they know about God. This is because
the preacher spends more time telling stories in the pulpit, as well as a lack
of personal Bible study on the part of the people.The Scriptures tell us to,
2 Tim 4:2-PREACH THE WORD; BE INSTANT IN SEASON, OUT OF SEASON.Stories can be very entertaining
and can attract the carnally-minded person; however, a personís faith cannot
stand on such things. A personís faith can only stand on Godís pure Word.The entire Bible should be
preached. How many churches can say they have taught every single verse from
the entire Bible over the last 15 years?How many churches can say they
teach 50 to 150 verses of Scripture in each service?God forbid, todayís churches
are filled with stories that the preacher gives. He may justify this as the
right thing to do, because he feels it relates to this or that Scripture.In addition, many the churches
of this generation tell jokes. They get the people laughing. They do all sorts
of foolishness to attract attention. Some of the worldís best comedians are
in the pulpits of the churches; yet, it is written, Pv 24:9-THE THOUGHT OF FOOLISHNESS
IS SIN.Many of these churches claim
to be "Spirit led." To be led of the Spirit of God is to OBEY THE
GOSPEL.

24-
PREACHTHE WORDTHE WORDTHE WORD

By not teaching Godís Word as they ought, they do great harm to the people of
the congregation.A PERSONíS FAITH CANNOT EXCEED
HIS UNDERSTANDING AND KNOWLEDGE OF GODíS WORD.Most people throughout the
world are biblically illiterate, even though they may go to church two or three
times a week.Consider the following. The
"MILK OF THE WORD" is basic doctrines. It is not stories. It is not
jokes. It is not political affairs. It is the actual words of the Bible, and
only the words of the Bible.Consider, a newborn baby requires
milk. What if a mother took one part of milk and mixed with it one part of water;
and then fed the baby this diet day after day? Soon the baby would begin to
get sick. Let us say, that the mother took one part of milk and mixed it with
five parts of water. Day after day she fed this to her baby. Soon the baby would
get sick and begin to die. A baby needs good, pure milk. It cannot survive long
on a diet of a small amount of milk mixed with a lot of water.So it is with Christians. They
need the pure milk of Godís Word. Yet what are many churches teaching?
They are teaching community affairs, political affairs, all sorts of stories,
and also teach from other books. God forbid!Some will take two or three
or five verses of Scripture and read them. Then they will put the Bible down
and begin telling stories about themselves that may or may not relate to the
verses. Thus, they give one part of milk and perhaps five or ten parts of water.
The new Christians begin to die, because they are not receiving good nourishment
from Godís Word.Unfortunately, many peopleís
faith stands in the "wisdom of this world which men teach." It is
written, 1 Cor 2:5-THAT YOUR FAITH SHOULD NOT STAND IN THE WISDOM OF MEN,
BUT IN THE POWER OF GOD.

Why
is this done? Why do preachers seem to preach about everything imaginable, except
Godís Word? Why do they water-down Godís Word so much? Why do some preach only
certain books of the Bible and leave out others? Why do some churches sing and
sing, but teach very little of Godís Word? Why are so many people in the churches
biblically illiterate, yet the preacher walks away and, in a manner of speaking,
wipes his mouth, saying, "Iíve done no wrong?" Why are so many preachers
biblically illiterate when it comes to Bible prophecy? Why do some people pray
and pray, but spend very little time studying Godís Word? The answer is, of
course, that Satan deceives people, and they are not aware they are deceived.

The
problem of deception starts with many Bible schools. This is the way the Bible
schools often train people. It is unbiblical, yet it still goes on.Should a preacher wish to convey
a story dealing with a certain subject, the story should be the actual verses
of a story from Godís Word; not some watered-down paraphrasing about a Bible
story. It is written, 1 Cor 2:13-WHICH THINGS ALSO WE SPEAK, NOT IN THE WORDS
WHICH MAN'S WISDOM TEACHETH, BUT WHICH THE HOLY GHOST TEACHETH; COMPARING
SPIRITUAL THINGS WITH SPIRITUAL. We teach comparing or combining the
WORD with the WORD.Neither should a person listen
to a minister that goes on and on with fables. Neither is a preacher to teach
these things. It is written, 1 Tim 1:4-NEITHER GIVE HEED TO FABLES.

Faith
can only be built on Godís pure Word. This is one of the reasons peopleís faith
in this generation is lacking or nonexistent. This is the reason Satan does
everything possible to deceive the preacher into teaching a compromising message.
He does everything possible to put the emphasis on things other than lots of
Scripture. This is one reason some churches sing and sing, but are very ignorant
of what Godís Word says.

Another
reason preacherís teach stories with only a small amount of the actual Word,
is because it is easier. To teach Godís pure Word is going to require much time
and study. As it is written, 2 Tim 2:15-STUDY TO SHEW THYSELF APPROVED UNTO
GOD, A WORKMAN THAT NEEDETH NOT TO BE ASHAMED, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD
OF TRUTH.1 Tim 5:17-LET THE ELDERS THAT
RULE WELL BE COUNTED WORTHY OF DOUBLE HONOUR, ESPECIALLY THEY WHO LABOUR
IN THE WORD AND DOCTRINE. Preachers are not willing to spend hours and hours
daily to learn as God would have them do. Many have allowed their "pastoral
duties" to take priority over their personal Bible study time.

Another
reason preachers teach lots of stories, but very little of Godís Word, is that
many people prefer and want deception rather than truth. People of this generation
do not want sound doctrine. People do not like to hear about sin, repentance,
eternal damnation in the lake of fire, that the Rapture is coming very soon,
followed by the Tribulation, and that Jesus will return. People want to do "their
own will" and think that they will inherit eternal life. Most preachers
will gladly preach what the worldly people want to hear so that they might get
more people. God forbid. For many preachers, this is their idea of a successful
church. Their main concern is toward finances and how to boost their attendance,
rather than truth and righteousness before a holy God.Certainly, most preachers do
not want to drive church members away by preaching a lot of Godís Word, which
would make them feel uncomfortable. Very few preachers have an overwhelming
desire to bring forth Godís complete Word with the authority, power, and conviction
that Jesus did. Heb 4:12-FOR THE WORD OF GOD IS QUICK, AND POWERFUL, AND SHARPER
THAN ANY TWOEDGED SWORD, PIERCING EVEN TO THE DIVIDING ASUNDER OF SOUL AND SPIRIT,
AND OF THE JOINTS AND MARROW, AND IS A DISCERNER OF THE THOUGHTS AND INTENTS
OF THE HEART.

25-SATAN
IS SUCCEEDING FOR THE MOMENT

Thus, because the actual Word of God is not coming forth from most churches
as it ought, Godís people are dying spiritually. They are falling. They are
biblically illiterate. They are LUKEWARM. They are WRETCHED, AND MISERABLE,
AND POOR, AND BLIND, AND NAKED; yet they do not know their condition-Rev 3:16-17.
What will happen to these people? Godís Word tells us, I WILL SPUE THEE OUT
OF MY MOUTH-Rev 3:16.Godís Word tells this church
age, I COUNSEL THEE TO BUY OF ME GOLD TRIED IN THE FIRE, THAT THOU MAYEST BE
RICH; AND WHITE RAIMENT, THAT THOU MAYEST BE CLOTHED, AND THAT THE SHAME OF
THY NAKEDNESS DO NOT APPEAR; AND ANOINT THINE EYES WITH EYESALVE, THAT THOU
MAYEST SEE-Rev 3:18.Satan has deceived the church
of this generation, and they are so blind that they do not realize it. These
Scriptures had to be fulfilled, or we would not be looking for the soon return
of Jesus.Thus, by Satan successfully
keeping the people from hearing good, sound doctrine from Godís pure Word, he
has been successful in deceiving and destroying many. In addition, this is the
generation of which it is written:2 Tim 4:3,4 NIV-FOR THE TIME
WILL COME (which is now) WHEN MEN WILL NOT PUT UP WITH SOUND DOCTRINE. INSTEAD,
TO SUIT THEIR OWN DESIRES, THEY WILL GATHER AROUND THEM A GREAT NUMBER OF TEACHERS
TO SAY WHAT THEIR ITCHING EARS WANT TO HEAR.THEY WILL TURN THEIR EARS AWAY
FROM THE TRUTH AND TURN ASIDE TO MYTHS.For the few people that can
rightly divide Godís Word, the Scriptures are crystal clear. This is a fact
that the Bible clearly teaches. When the Rapture of the church comes, only a
very few people that are claiming they are born-again will be taken. Most will
be left behind.

26-SATAN
TRIES TO KEEP YOU FROM GROWING IN FAITH

Now we know from the Bible that faith comes from hearing and reading the Word
of God. By faith ye stand firm. Thus, Satan will do everything possible to separate
you from your faith. Now how can he do this?Satan accomplishes this by
stopping you from reading your Bible and stopping you from going to a church
that correctly teaches a lot of Scripture. Satan uses cares of this world. A
person may say, "Oh, we've got to do something else." Satan uses deceitfulness
of riches, telling us we have to work so much to make a living. He also uses
pleasures of this life. A person may say, "Oh, I want to go to the beach
or to the mountains. Church? we can do that another time. We can read our Bible
another time. Letís have fun and enjoy the pleasures of this life." Satan
uses the lusts of other things. Perhaps you want to go on a date with a girl,
or you lust after certain things. These draw you away from the Word of God.
Satan also uses persecutions. Satan often works through other people to accomplish
what he has set out to do. The Scriptures tell us that Satan GOES ABOUT AS A
ROARING LION, SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR-1 Pe 5:8.

27-AN
EXAMPLE OF FAITH

We have examined the Scriptures for the answers to what faith is. Let us conclude
with this account of the apostle Paul.The year is around 68 A.D.
There is a cell in the city of Rome. Upon entering it, we realize there is another
cell beneath the one that we are in, and only a small hole in the floor allows
one to enter. It is dark and foreboding. This is where Paul spent the last two
years of his life, yet he was possibly the greatest example of Christ ever produced
by Christianity. He was brilliant, yet he called himself a slave of Jesus. From
here, Paul wrote 1st & 2nd Timothy.

A
guard lowers a rope through the hole. Paul is told to tie it around himself.
Someone says he is about 68 years old. He is called "Paul the aged."
His hair is white. His back is bowed and bent. His life has been hard, all for
preaching the Gospel.Paul is thin and emaciated.
He is pulled up easily. As he comes out of the hole, his eyes squint in the
sunlight. His clothes are rags. The Holy Spirit did not tell us many of these
last moments, but it is not difficult to picture in our minds. There was no
splendor, riches, or glory. Oh, there were riches and glory, but inwardly. We
can almost hear him say, as they walk out into the courtyard, "I AM NOW
READY TO BE OFFEREDÖI HAVE FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED MY COURSE, I
HAVE KEPT THE FAITH"-2 Tim 4:6,7. A few minutes later, he is told to drop
to his knees. The frail body is stretched over the chopping block. The ax flashes;
and his head rolls in the dust. That sir, is faith.
(Please note: this excellent article about Paul was written mostly
by Jimmy Swaggart.)